A £3.85million contract to restore and transform the Old Magnus Buildings in Appletongate, Newark has been awarded to Newark-based construction company Robert Woodhead Ltd.
Following a competitive tender, Robert Woodhead Ltd’s specialist Heritage Division, Woodhead Heritage, was selected by Newark and Sherwood District Council to undertake the project. The work will transform the Grade II buildings, located next to the Palace Theatre, into a new museum and National Civil War Centre.
This new museum will provide a showcase for the history of Newark and Sherwood and become a national centre for the history of the British Civil Wars. Formerly part of the Magnus School, the new museum will also be a centre of learning, linked to local studies and the national curriculum, as well as offering a new visitor destination for the region.
Woodhead Heritage will be working with Architects Purcell in the conservation and restoration of these significant heritage buildings.
Simon Butler, Woodhead Heritage said:
“We are very pleased to have won this latest project. Having worked on the Newark Castle Walls restoration, and currently working on the former Newark Police Station into a Piano Making School, we are aware of the importance of this development in the history of the town.”
Bryony Robins, Development Manager at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
“We believe our cultural heritage is extremely important in making the area an attractive place to live and visit. The Council has successfully obtained funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help towards this transformation which will greatly enhance the area, provide a unique attraction for Newark and encourage active engagement in our heritage.”
To follow the project’s progress www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/omb or follow us on twitter @civilwarcentre
